Lanning should not take credit

In the June 4 article concerning Rep. Morrie Lanning’s possible run for governor of Minnesota, Lanning, R-Moorhead, falsely claimed that “one of his top accomplishments was achieved this past session when more than $53 million was dedicated to flood mitigation.” It sure sounds good, but the truth is that he had nothing to do with the success of this legislation.

The $53 million mentioned was in the bonding bill introduced and carried by Sen. Keith Langseth, DFL-Glyndon. Langseth, always a champion of local flood control, stood up for the needs of our community and used his clout in St. Paul to bring home more than $70 million for both short- and long-term flood recovery and prevention.

All Lanning “accomplished” was a failed $17 million flood-related piece of legislation that died in committee without a hearing.

Thank you, Sen. Langseth, for you visionary and dedicated service to the valley, and shame on Lanning for trying to take the credit.

Altenburg was the unsuccessful 2008 DFL candidate for Lanning’s seat in the Legislature